I've talked to lots of California and a few NYC investors that have lost money (including myself) who bought inexpensive properties in the Midwest mostly and a few in the South (Class C is volatile). - some strategies I've seen California investors use to lessen negative cash flow: house hacking, mid-term rentals (people temporarily displaced from home renovation or insurance reasons like fire), rent by the room, Short Term Rentals. - The ultimate house hack, live in the small ADU unit and rent out the two levels of the main house on AirBnb in San Francisco (I would have thought STRs are oversaturated in S.F. but it worked for them and they stay fully booked).

Once the tenant applies for the unit, you'll have to work with the tenant and Section 8 to get approval, which always includes an inspection of the unit.

The overall LTV (including all 3 mortgages) will be key and your selling point will need to be that the 2nd mortgage ($8k) will burn off in 2.5 years (based on your surprise that it was even out there, I'd recommend that you follow up in 2.5 years and ensure that it's been satisified, so that it doesn't surprise you again in the future).Does the $8k grant vest over the 5 years? 

Also, from what I read in Bloomberg, midterm rentals near major hospitals can sometime command a decent premium.. especially if they include some nice furnishings.Little Tweaks Count: Even minor upgrades, like new door locks or a fresh coat of paint, can help you justify a stronger rent.Driving for Dollars & Networking..

Sounds like a good plan, should have plenty of options available.I would be cognizant of any group you talk with on two areas, the location of the property including any potential concerns of it being 'rural', as well as the minimum purchase price and/or minimum loan amounts.

These methods include: Detailed Engineering Cost ApproachDetailed Engineering Cost Estimate ApproachSurvey or Letter ApproachResidual Estimation ApproachSampling or Modeling ApproachExperience or “Rule of Thumb” ApproachIt’s important to understand the differences between the approaches including which one best fits your property and the reliability of each approach.DETAILED ENGINEERING COST APPROACHThis approach compiles the costs from construction and accounting reports to build a report.

There are kinds of guru's who will help you buy section 8 properties in a turnkey package including the rehab the property will need to get it rented.

Upgrades include a fully remodeled kitchen, renovated bathrooms, new durable flooring, contemporary fixtures, and efficient heating and cooling systems.

But for some, including myself when we bought in 2015, breaking even or even losing a little each month was okay in order to own a property in Hawaii that we could also use ourselves.- Does the condo have an existing STVR permit or will you need to apply for it?

This should include potential rental income, expenses (including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and potential vacancy), and your expected return on investment.